2012 FIAT DUCATO trailer

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TACHOGRAPH
For tachograph operation and use, consult the owner
handbook supplied by the device manufacturer.
The tachograph must be installed on the vehicle when
the vehicle weight (with or without trailer) exceeds
3.5 tons.
IMPORTANT Anyone making changes to the
monitoring device or signal transmission system that
affects recording by the monitoring instrument,
particularly if this is done for purposes of fraud, may be
in breach of criminal or administrative state regulations.
IMPORTANT If a tachograph is fitted, if the vehicle is
parked for more than 5 days, it is advisable to
disconnect the negative battery terminal to maintain its
charge.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Do not use abrasive detergents or solvents to clean the
device. To clean the outside of the device, use a damp
cloth or special products for the care of synthetic
materials.The tachograph is installed and sealed by authorised
personnel: do not try and access the device or the
supply and recording leads in any way. It is the
responsibility of the owner of the vehicle on which the
tachograph is installed to check the device regularly.
The check must be carried out at least every two years
and a test must be carried out to ensure that it is
working properly. Ensure that the data label is renewed
after every check that that the label contains the
specified data.

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Detection distances
Central action range: 140 cm ±10 cm
Side action range: 60 cm ±20 cm
If several obstacles are detected by the sensors, only the
nearest one is considered.
FAILURE WARNING
Any parking sensor failures will be indicated when
engaging reverse by the
twarning light in the instrument
panel together with the message in the multifunction
display coming on for versions/markets where provided
(see “Warning lights and messages” section).OPERATION WITH TRAILER
Parking sensor operation is automatically disabled when
the electric cable plug of the trailer is fitted into the
vehicle tow hook socket.
The sensors are automatically enabled again when the
trailer cable plug is removed.
IMPORTANT If you wish to leave the tow hook fitted
without towing a trailer, it is advisable to contact a Fiat
Dealership for the relevant system update operations
because the tow hook could be detected as an obstacle
by the central sensors.
When using special washing equipment such as high
pressure jets or steam cleaning, clean the sensors very
quickly keeping the jet more than 10 cm away.

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CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may help you to keep
the running costs of your vehicle down and lower the
amount of toxic emissions released into the
atmosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance
with the “Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routinely at an interval
of no more than 4 weeks: if the pressure is too low,
consumption levels increase as resistance to rolling is
higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight of
the vehicle (especially when driving in town) and its
geometry greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof
after use. These accessories decrease aerodynamic
penetration of the vehicle and have a negative effect on
fuel consumption. It is better to use a trailer, particularly
for transporting bulky objects. In addition to these general precautions, some simple
precautions can improve driving safety, travelling
comfort and vehicle durability:
❒distribute the load evenly over the floor: if it is
necessary to concentrate it in a single area, choose
an area mid-way between both axles;
❒remember that the lower the load, the lower the
vehicle’s centre of gravity, making for a safer drive:
therefore always position the heaviest goods lower
down;
❒lastly, remember that the vehicle’s dynamic
behaviour is affected by the weight transported:
in particular, the stopping distances are longer,
especially at high speed.
If you wish to carry petrol in a reserve
tank, observe the legal restrictions and
only use a tank that is type approved and
properly secured to the load anchorage
eyebolts. However, the risk of fire in the event
of an accident increases.
WARNING

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TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
The vehicle must be provided with a type-approved tow
hook and adequate electrical system to tow caravans or
trailers. Installation should be carried out by specialised
personnel who will issue the required papers for
travelling on roads.
Install any specific and/or additional rear view mirrors as
specified by the Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are
harder to climb, the braking spaces increase and
overtaking takes longer depending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than
constantly using the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the vehicle tow hook will
reduce the loading capacity of the vehicle by the same
amount. Consider the weight of the trailer fully laden,
including accessories and luggage, to make sure you do
not exceed the maximum towable weight (shown on
the vehicle registration document).
Do not exceed the speed limits specific for each country
you are driving in, in the case of vehicles towing trailers.
In any case, the top speed must not exceed 100 km/h.
Fit a suitable towing stabiliser to the trailer to be towed. CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts will prevent the
engine from reaching optimal running temperature.
Consequently, both consumption (from +15 to +30% on
urban cycle ) and emissions will increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high consumption levels are linked to situations
with heavy traffic, for instance when travelling in queues
with frequent use of the lower gears or in cities with
many traffic lights. Winding mountain roads and rough
road surfaces also adversely affect consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. level crossings) the
engine should be switched off.

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INSTALLING THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to the body by
specialised personnel according to any additional and/or
integrative information supplied by the Manufacturer of
the device.
The towing device must meet current regulations with
reference to Directive 94/20/EEC and subsequent
amendments.
For any version the towing device used must match the
towable weight of the vehicle on which it is to be
installed.
For the electric connection a standard connector should
be used which is generally placed on a special bracket
normally fastened to the towing device, and a special
ECU for external trailer light control must be installed
on the vehicle. For the electrical connection, 7 or 13 pin
12 V DC connections are to be used (CUNA/UNI and
ISO/DIN Standards). Follow the instructions provided by
the vehicle manufacturer and/or the tow hitch
manufacturer.
An electric brake or other device should be supplied
directly by the battery through a cable with a cross
section of no less than 2.5 mm
2.
The ABS device with which the vehicle
may be equipped will not control the
braking system of the trailer. Particular caution
is required on slippery roads.
WARNING
Never modify the braking system of the
vehicle to control the trailer brake. The
trailer braking system must be fully independent
from the hydraulic system of the vehicle.
WARNING

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IMPORTANT The engine must be running to use the
electric brake or a winch.
In addition to the electrical branches, the vehicle’s
electric system can only be connected to the supply
cable for an electric brake and to the cable for an
internal light, though not above 15 W. For connections
use the preset control unit with battery cable no less
than 2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT The trailer tow hook contributes to the
length of the vehicle. When installing on long wheelbase
versions, it is only possible to install removable tow
hooks because the total vehicle length limit of 6 metres
is exceeded.
If no trailer is fitted, the hook must be removed from
the attachment base and it must not exceed the
vehicle’s original length.IMPORTANT If you wish to leave the tow hook fitted
without towing a trailer, it is advisable to contact a Fiat
Dealership for the relevant system update operations
because the tow hook could be detected as an obstacle
by the central sensors.

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AIRBAG FAILURE (red)
When the key is turned to the MAR-ON
position the warning light comes on but should
go out after a few seconds.
The warning light stays on constantly if there is a failure
in the air bag system.
On some versions the display shows the dedicated
message.
The warning light ¬for airbag fault comes on if the
warning light Ffor passenger’s bag deactivation is
faulty.
¬
If when turning the key to MAR-ON
the warning light ¬does not turn on
or if it stays on when travelling, there could be
a failure in the safety systems; in this event air
bags or pretensioners may not be deployed in
the event of impact or, in a lower number of
cases, they deploy accidentally. Contact a Fiat
Dealership immediately to have the system
checked.
WARNING
HOT ENGINE COOLANT (red)
When the key is turned to the MAR-ON
position the warning light comes on but should
go out after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is
overheated.
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If the warning light comes on, proceed as follows:
❒when driving normally: stop the vehicle, switch off
the engine and check that the water level in the
reservoir is not below the MIN mark. If it is not, wait
for a few minutes for the engine to cool down then
slowly and carefully open the cap, top up with
coolant and check that the level is between the MIN
and MAX marks. Also check for any fluid leaks.
If, when restarting, the warning light should come on
again, contact a Fiat Dealership.
❒heavy duty use of vehicle (e.g.: towing trailer uphill
or fully laden car): decrease speed and if the warning
light stays on, stop the vehicle. Wait for 2 or
3 minutes with the engine running and slightly
accelerated to further accelerate the coolant
circulation. Then stop the engine. Check the correct
liquid level as described above.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to
keep the engine on and slightly accelerated for a few
minutes before switching it off.
On some versions the display shows the dedicated
message.

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MAINTENANCE AND CARE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct servicing is essential for ensuring long vehicle
life under the best conditions.
This is why Fiat has planned a series of checks and
maintenance operations every 48,000 km.
The scheduled maintenance programme does not,
however, cover all the vehicle requirements; during the
initial period, before the 48,000 kilometre service and
later on, between services, routine operations must be
carried out like systematically checking and topping up
fluid levels, checking the tyre inflation pressure, etc.IMPORTANT Scheduled Servicing coupons are specified
by the Manufacturer. Failure to have them carried out
may invalidate the warranty.
Schedule servicing can be carried out by any Fiat
Dealership, at pre-established times.
If there is a need for further replacements or repairs
during any operation in addition to those planned, prior
consent of the Customer must be obtained first.
IMPORTANT It is advisable to contact a Fiat Dealership
in the event of any minor operating failure, without
waiting for the next service coupon.
If your vehicle is used frequently for trailer towing, the
interval between scheduled maintenance services must
be reduced.